Word Made Flesh Bolivia seeks abundant life for those affected by prostitution in El Alto, Bolivia.

Bolivia is beautifully diverse and rich in natural resources, yet one of the poorest nations in Latin America. The capital city La Paz and its crowning metropolis, El Alto, are striking at 13,300 feet above sea level. With its raw poverty, intense environment and notorious reputation, it stands as an ideal urban center for service among the most vulnerable. Here racism runs deep, as do tightly held folk traditions intertwined with modern-day expressions of faith. Men tend to wander, women are undervalued, children often overlooked. But WMF Bolivia has made a home here and from our smallest acts of love, we persistently work towards Transformation and hold on to Hope. Specifically, we work directly with those in the sex trade. We understand that when a woman feels there is no other option, she may turn to the streets. Maybe hungry tummies await her at home or debts crowd heavy around her. Maybe he beats her viciously and she’s inconceivably trapped. Most likely someone wounded her long ago, and under desperate circumstances, she considers the unthinkable. Over time she withers away, hating what she does, yet unable to see any other way out. The WMF community accompanies her during this journey, sharing the Hope we have in Christ along the way.

Vision

Abundant life for those affected by prostitution in Bolivia.

Mission

In community we seek to practice and proclaim the Kingdom of God among persons affected by prostitution, through relationship and opportunities for transformation.

Presence (Awaken)

We seek solidarity and understanding. We value presence and relationships. We desire to be compassionate people and witnesses of Hope in dark places. For that reason, we consistently visit the largest red-light district in El Alto – and have done so since 2001. We offer a ministry of encouragement and prayer, along with an invitation to our drop-in center.

Paso a Paso (Heal)

At our ministry center, we sit at the table together. We listen to stories, and we share our own. This is a place of connection and mutuality, a space where women can come and know they are loved and valued. We offer hospitality, discipleship, medical support, and strategic workshops, as well as tutoring and day programs for children. It is a place of healing – a refuge – where women are challenged to seek the Lord’s best for their lives.

Many of our friends have little education, are the only provider in their home, and have no sustainable alternative to prostitution. In 2010, we founded a social enterprise to provide them dignified employment, allowing them to reach their full potential. Word Made Flesh coordinates sewing training for women to prepare them to work.

When a woman joins SutiSana, she learns new life skills and rhythms, and is invited to address the deep issues that led her to her reality and can find space and guidance to respond to that still soft voice. She and her children are supported through community, and she is given opportunities to continually grow – learning to design bags, work with new materials, and even coach other women as they leave prostitution. Shop their bags and totes and support their journey at www.sutisana.com